February
7, 2001 -- The University of Virginia Womens
Center is bringing a remarkable group of women technology-leaders
to Charlottesville this year through its speakers series,
"The Changing Face of Technology." All programs are free
and open to the public.

The
Spring 2001 Series, which begins Feb. 8, will explore two themes
-- the interaction of new technology and traditional media, and
the impact of media and technology on society. Discussions will
cover emerging ethical issues, and new technologies and the humanities.

How
are humanities disciplines currently using technology in creative
and innovative ways to enhance both teaching and research? What
potential does technology hold as a new medium for expression? What
is the future of the humanities in the digital age? Anita Jones,
chair of the Virginia 2020 Science and Technology Commission, will
moderate a panel of distinguished humanities scholars, including
Will Thomas, director of the Virginia Center for Digital History;
Alan Howard, director of the American Studies Program in the English
Department; Benjamin Ray, professor of Religious Studies; Kay Cutler,
librarian with Curry School Information Services; and Paula Wilson,
an award-winning fourth-grade teacher from Red Hill Elementary.
8 p.m., Green Room, Hereford College

Feb.
20

The
Interaction of Technology, Media, and Culture in the 21st
Century

To
what extent does the media shape culture rather than merely reflecting
it? How is technology influencing culture through the media, especially
through digital media? Johanna Drucker, director of the Media Studies
Program, will moderate an discussion between the audience and John
Unsworth, founder of the Institute for the Advancement of Technology
in the Humanities; Kay Neeley and Bryan Pfaffenberger, professors
of Technology, Culture, and Communication in the School of Engineering
and Applied Science; and Judy Thomas, assistant director of the
Robertson Media Center. 8 p.m., Green Room, Hereford College

Sherrie
Rollins Westin (CLAS '80) is currently executive vice president
for Network Communications at ABC, and was the highest-ranking woman
advisor in the White House in 1992. As the Jill T. Rinehart Distinguished
Leadership Lecturer, Westin will discuss risk-taking and leadership
in the media as well as the ways in which new technologies are transforming
network television. This event is open to the public free of charge,
but interested participants are asked to R.S.V.P. by calling (804)
982-2259 by March 23. 12:30 p.m., Carr's Hill

April
5

Allison
Abraham: Darden Distinguished Speaker

As
chief operations officer at iVillage Inc., Allison Abraham (Darden
'88) was instrumental in designing the innovative marketing strategies
that propelled iVillage.com to its current status as the third most
popular destination for women on the Internet. Now president of
LifeMinders, Inc., she will discuss the impact of the Internet on
the lives of the millions of women who frequent it. This event is
free and open to the public, but because space is limited interested
participants are asked to call (804) 982-2259 to reserve a place
by March 29.

1:30
p.m., Darden's CCA Amphitheatre (Room 50)

April
17

The
Ethics of Emerging Technologies

A
panel of professors of ethics and community leaders will explore
new ethical issues raised by emerging digital and biomedical technologies.
The panelists will include James Childress, director of the Institute
for Practical Ethics, and Rosalyn Berne, professor of Technology,
Culture, and Communication in the School of Engineering and Applied
Science. Panelists will discuss controversies, such as copyright
protection, privacy, and property issues, relating to digital media;
and explore issues raised by cloning and genetic engineering. They
will discuss the difficulties inherent in resolving these conflicts
and the future challenges that advances in technology will pose
for policymakers. 8 p.m., Green Room, Hereford College

April
26

Pat
Mitchell: Technology With a Heart - PBS & Public Service

Last
March, Pat Mitchell became the first woman CEO and president of
PBS, the nations largest and only noncommercial broadcasting
service. She has declared her intent to use her position to speak
out, to take risks, "and most of all to lead with a woman's heart."
She will discuss how PBS is using technology to further its mission
of public service, and share her vision for the future of PBS in
the digital age. 8 p.m., Green Room, Hereford College

The
University of Virginia Women's Center

Founded
10 years ago, the Women's Center offers a broad array of programs
and services to the University of Virginia and Charlottesville communities.

Programs
include a speakers series of artists, scholars and leaders
and the publication of a new magazine of womens writing, Iris:
A Journal About Women, the Young Women Leaders Program and other
mentoring initiatives. The Center also offers free personal and
career counseling, a free legal clinic and staffs a Sexual Assault
Education Office. The Center has been recognized as a national model
for effective outreach to women. Visit http://womenscenter.virginia.edu
for more information.

Contact:
Charlotte Crystal, (804) 924-6858

FOR
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: please contact
the Office of University Relations at (804) 924-7116. Television
reporters should contact the TV News Office at (804) 924-7550.SOURCE: U.Va. News Services